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A's Path to the Postseason: Sept. 30, 2012

A's Path to the Postseason: Sept. 30, 2012

Moss' five RBIs 1:12

9/29/12: Brandon Moss powers the A's to an extra-inning win over the Mariners, driving in five runs and belting a walk-off homer in the 10th

By Jane Lee
/
MLB.com |

OAKLAND -- With a thrilling 7-4, walk-off win over the Mariners on Saturday, the A's upped their lead in the American League Wild Card standings to 2 1/2 games over the Angels, while the winning Rays remained three back. They also cut their deficit to the first-place Rangers in the AL West to just 2 1/2 with four to play.

Their magic number at three, the A's can clinch at least a spot in a one-game Wild Card playoff on Sunday, should each of the following happen: the A's beat the Mariners; the Angels lose both games of a doubleheader to Texas; and the Rays lose to the White Sox.

"We're still focused at going at the division," third baseman Josh Donaldson said. "Everything is still wide open. I guarantee you, there's going to be some great baseball left at the end."

Magic numbers
To calculate a team's magic number, take the number of games it has remaining and add one. Then subtract the difference in the number of losses between that team and its closest pursuer.

Tiebreaker scenarios
A tiebreaker game will be played to determine a division winner, even if the tied clubs are assured of participating in the postseason. If a division championship tiebreaker is necessary, the head-to-head record between the clubs will determine home-field advantage. If the head-to-head record is tied, then the division record will be the next tiebreaker.

If two clubs are tied for the two Wild Card berths, home-field advantage will be determined by the head-to-head record between the clubs. If the head-to-head record is tied, then the division record will be the next tiebreaker.